How to Use "Nous" in French

In this lesson, we will learn how to use the word "nous" correctly in sentences. We will also cover some basic grammar rules to help you understand French better.

What is "Nous"?

"Nous" means "we" in English.

You use it when you’re talking about a group that includes yourself.

Just a reminder: "nous" is a plural word. This means it goes with plural verbs and nouns.

Gender and Number in Nouns

In French, nouns are words that name people, places, or things. They can be masculine (male) or feminine (female). They can also be singular (one) or plural (more than one).

Here are some examples:

• Singular Masculine: le livre (the book)
• Singular Feminine: la table (the table)
• Plural Masculine: les livres (the books)
• Plural Feminine: les tables (the tables)

When you use "nous," think about the nouns you’re talking about. "Nous" doesn't have a gender, but it describes a group that might.

Present Tense with Regular -er Verbs

When using "nous," you will often use regular -er verbs in the present tense.

Here's an easy rule: take off the -er and add -ons to the verb.

For example:

• Parler (to speak):
  • Nous parlons (We speak)
• Aimer (to like/love):
  • Nous aimons (We like)

Subject Pronouns

Here are the subject pronouns in French:

• je (I)
• tu (you, informal)
• il/elle/on (he/she/one)
• nous (we)
• vous (you, formal/plural)
• ils/elles (they, masculine/feminine)

What are Articles?

Articles are important in French because they tell you if you’re talking about something specific or not.

Definite Articles (specific):

• le (the - masculine singular)
• la (the - feminine singular)
• les (the - plural)

Indefinite Articles (not specific):

• un (a/an - masculine singular)
• une (a/an - feminine singular)
• des (some - plural)

How to Make Negations

To say that something is not happening in French, you use "ne... pas."

When using "nous," you put "ne" before the verb and "pas" after.

For example:

• Nous parlons (We speak) → Nous ne parlons pas (We do not speak)

Example Sentences

1. Affirmative: Nous mangeons (We eat).
2. Negative: Nous ne mangeons pas (We do not eat).
3. Including Articles: Nous aimons les livres (We like the books).

Practice Exercises

1. Change the following verbs to use with "nous":
   • jouer (to play)
   • étudier (to study).
2. Write a negative sentence using "nous" and a regular -er verb.

This guide should help you understand how to use "nous" in different sentences. This way, you can speak French clearly and correctly!